Superintendent, Construction

American Water; Plainfield (NJ); On-site; USD 71,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Life insurance

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Superintendent, Construction in Plainfield, NJ to lead the Construction department and oversee water and wastewater infrastructure projects. You will ensure safety, quality, and timeliness, serving as the main liaison among Engineering, Operations, contractors, and regulators.

You will supervise Inspectors, manage budgets and schedules, and drive safety, accuracy in documentation, and compliance with standards and permits.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• 2-5 years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Experience overseeing contractors and utility construction projects preferred.
• Water Distribution License preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Construction Inspectors on-site to ensure compliance with plans and safety standards.
• Manage construction activities and contractor performance for water/wastewater projects.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development for Construction Inspectors.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance and Environmental teams for planning and closeout.
• Review project documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Administer construction contracts and manage payments and claims.
• Support capital project delivery and budgeting through cost control and forecasting.
• Represent the Company with contractors, municipalities, and regulatory agencies.
• Promote safety and continuous improvement across construction oversight.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Budget management

Safety compliance

Contract administration

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Plan reading

Team coaching

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Project tracking systems

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Superintendent, Construction

Posting Start Date: 10/12/26

Job Description:

Position Information

$70,690 to $118,100

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

Primary Role

The Superintendent, Construction is responsible for the direct supervision and leadership of Construction department and the oversight of water and wastewater infrastructure construction projects. Ensures construction activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company standards, engineering specifications, regulatory requirements, project budgets, and schedules. Serves as the primary liaison between Engineering, Operations, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders throughout project execution.

Key Accountabilities

• Supervise and direct Construction Inspectors responsible for the on-site inspection of capital, developer, and maintenance construction projects to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, permits, safety requirements, and company standards.
• Manage construction activities and contractor performance for water distribution, wastewater collection, treatment, facility, and infrastructure improvement projects. Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contract requirements.
• Provide leadership, coaching, training, and development for Construction Inspectors, fostering accountability, engagement, technical competency, and adherence to operational and safety standards.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and Environmental personnel to ensure effective project planning, execution, startup, and closeout activities. Resolve field issues impacting project delivery.
• Monitor and enforce contractor compliance with contract documents, permits, environmental requirements, utility regulations, company policies, and safety standards. Coordinate inspections with regulatory agencies and ensure required certifications and approvals are secured.
• Review project documentation, including daily reports, change orders, construction schedules, progress reports, pay applications, as-built drawings, and project closeout documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Administer construction contracts by evaluating contractor performance, reviewing progress payments, managing construction-related claims, and recommending corrective actions when necessary.
• Support capital project delivery and financial performance by monitoring project expenditures, identifying risks, controlling costs, and assisting with budget forecasting and resource planning.
• Represent the Company as the primary field liaison with contractors, municipalities, customers, developers, and regulatory agencies regarding construction-related activities, project coordination, and service impacts.
• Promote continuous improvement and operational excellence by implementing best practices, enhancing construction oversight processes, improving communication across departments, and maintaining a strong culture of safety, quality, and accountability.

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of water and wastewater utility construction practices, methods, materials, and standards.
• Knowledge of engineering drawings, specifications, surveying principles, and construction contract administration.
• Knowledge of federal, state, local, and company safety regulations, including OSHA requirements.
• Knowledge of NJDEP regulations, permitting processes, and utility construction requirements.
• Understanding of project management principles, scheduling methodologies, and critical path scheduling.

Experience/Education

• High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• 2-5 years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Experience overseeing contractors and utility construction projects preferred.
• Experience in water and/or wastewater utility operations preferred.
• Experience administering construction contracts and project documentation preferred
• Water Distribution License preferred.

Travel Requirements

• Role will be Monday through Friday 8am to 430pm
• Must be able to report to our Plainfield office.
• Must be able to travel for meetings.

Skills

• Strong process, project, and program management skills.
• Sound business acumen and judgment.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills (e.g., report writing, listening, plan reading and creating, and presentation).
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., tact/diplomacy, persuasion, team building, cooperation, leadership, ability to motivate others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and project tracking systems.

Work Environment

• Office environment with occasional outdoor work and visits to treatment plants or system facilities.
• On-call responsibility.
• Must be for available for weekends and holidays.

Competencies

• Manages Complexity
• Ensures Accountability
• Directs Work
• Develops Talent
• Builds Effective Teams
• Balances Stakeholders